Keraia
Joshua 8

Joshua 8:3

The Conquest of Ai · Joshua 8:1–29
Read Joshua 8

Translations

Modern
So Joshua and the whole army set out to attack Ai. Joshua chose 30,000 mighty men of valor and sent them out at night
Traditional
So Joshua arose, and all the people of war, to go up against Ai: and Joshua chose out thirty thousand mighty men of valour, and sent them away by night.
Literal
And Joshua arose, and all the people of war, to go up against Ai, and Joshua chose thirty thousand mighty men of valor, and sent them away by night.
Latin
Surrexitque Josue, et omnis exercitus bellatorum cum eo, ut ascenderent in Hai: et electa triginta millia virorum fortium misit nocte,

Original

Hebrew
English
So Joshua and the whole army set out to attack Ai. Joshua chose 30,000 mighty men of valor and sent them out at night

Notes

Joshua 8:3

  • Set out to attack Ai: This first sentence provides a summary. Details follow in the next paragraphs.

  • The Hebrew words translated 30,000 might mean 30 units (see study note on Exodus 12:37) or 30 chieftains (leaders of groups or tribes). As the battle continued, this group waited in hiding for a surprise attack (an ambush). They remained hidden until Joshua called them into action (Joshua 8:18–19).

Joshua 8:1–13

The Israelites made the first attempt to conquer Ai without consulting God. The second attempt was at God's command and direction. Before this attempt, God spoke to Joshua and gave him a strategy. More importantly, after Israel's recent disaster, God offered encouragement and a promise.

Theme notes and profiles

Joshua

Events

People

Joshua: Moses' assistant who led Israel into Canaan

Places

Ai: A Canaanite city conquered by Joshua after initial defeat

Glossary

Ai Conquest and Allotment of the Land Gilgal Joshua, Book of Judah, Tribe of Judges, Book of Tribe of Dan Warfare

Topics

Ambush: At Ai Armies: March in Ranks: Ambushes, at Ai Cities were Frequently: Stormed Men of Valor Sieges: Ai Strategy in War The Armies of Israel: Men Selected From, for Difficult Enterprises